Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Perfect Wedding Guide, the nation’s number one local wedding guide, will host a Bridal Show on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 1pm - 4:30pm at the Marriott Durham at the Civic Center located at 201 Foster Street in downtown Durham, NC. Brides and grooms will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their big day with over 50 Triangle Wedding Professionals while discovering the latest wedding products and services.

Two elegant strolling fashion shows will be presented by Jayna Bella Bridal Boutique of Roxboro. Brides and their guests will be able to get an up close look at the gowns and formal wear as the models stroll through the room in this intimate and personal setting.

“Brides have so many plans and decisions to make before their wedding day. It could be overwhelming. This bridal show will give them the wonderful opportunity to discuss their dream wedding and interview wedding experts in person,” says Triangle Perfect Wedding Guide Publisher, Gail Galloway. “Brides and grooms will have a chance to sample delicious food and cakes, view photographer’s work, meet DJ’s and entertainers, smell gorgeous fresh flowers, plan their honeymoon, pick a reception site, secure guest accommodations and more all in one day.”

During the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show thousands of dollars in door prizes will be given to some winning attendees. One lucky bride-to-be will win a romantic mountain honeymoon getaway, compliments of Rye Creek Lodge. The first 100 brides to arrive will receive a coupon book worth over $1,000 in wedding products and services.

Tickets for the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show are $7.00 at the door or guests can pre-register online at www.the-triangle.perfectweddingguide.com to save $2.00 per person.

For more information about the event, media passes, interviews, or vendor information, please call Gail Galloway at (336) 676-9631 or email her at gail@pwg.com.

About Perfect Wedding Guide

Perfect Wedding Guide is a wedding planning resource for brides published and online in over 40 metropolitan areas around the country. For further information, please visit http://www.perfectweddingguide.com.

Wedding Ideas Products and Equipment Fair, 3rd edition, is scheduled for February 22, next year, and is set to go on till 24 on the month.

WEDDING DAYS present:
The largest and the most important happening linked to the presentation of products and services for wedding.

Encounters of professionals, designers, stylists, producers, traders from Croatia and abroad at unique Wedding Show.

Fashion shows, test make-ups, show appearances, promotions, tastings and inspiring workshops. New fashion trends and ideas for your most festive day.

The best ideas for weddings:
- invitations,
- letters of thank and confettis,
- cakes, flowers and decorations,
- gala menu,
- stretch limousines,
- photos, video, music and entertainment,
- special effects, all at one spot
- Inspiration for the equipping and arrangement of home and
- selection of place for The unforgettable wedding trip

WEDDING DAYS will be held in parallel with Fashion & Leisure and Sport & Nautical Fair.

WEDDING DAYS COMPRISE:
- FASHION & ACCESSORIES
- STYLING
- ORGANIZATION
- WISH LIST
- HONEYMOON.

ZAGREB FAIR

Weekend events beginning January 5th & Main Booth Showcase on January 6th, 2008 - La Bella Bride Magazine, the signature northeast regional wedding publication, is producing a unique and inspiring wedding event in a premiere destination wedding location, partnering with two distinguished properties - Belle Mer and Hotel Viking. First 100 brides to buy tickets have a chance to win a “Spa & Stay ” Weekend Package at The Hotel Viking. Other amazing prizes included a 7 day stay on FT. Myers Beach, Florida, minutes from where The World Series Champion Boston Red Sox Spring train.

“We have gathered an amazing group of vendors to showcase their profession, and we are offering a select series of informative and creative seminars for couples to gather important information to plan their wedding event, and a fabulous “Fashion Soiree” on Sunday, January 6th” states Robin Watterson, Event Director. “We are also offering Saturday events - Spa & Stay Packages, Newport Mansion Tours, Professional Seminars, i.e. Charles & Jennifer Maring-Photographers of the Stars; Donald & Melania Trumps Wedding, Dr. Bill Doherty & Elizabeth Thomas, Co-Authors of The First Dance as seen on Oprah, 20/20 and The Today Show, Bloomingdales’ Gift Registry. Brides staying for the weekend will also be invited to the Saturday “Welcome Cocktail Gala”, and more. Our goal is to provide a truly spectacular event and give our guests a sophisticated, enriching and entertaining weekend in a truly beautiful setting. This is how wedding planning should be done…With knowledge, integrity, and elegance.”

Katina LaFazia, Editor of La Bella Bride Magazine has taken her twenty five years of professional experience marketing, media and publishing and has produced a bridal magazine whose philosophy of providing intelligent choices, honoring individual styles, offering exquisite images, and real “Love Stories” has captured the interest of couples and professionals alike throughout the northeast and beyond. Robin Watterson, Executive Editor of La Bella Bride Magazine and Event Director of The Newport Wedding Showcase has combined her marketing and professional writing skills, as well as her event planning expertise to design a wedding event which will compliment the magazine, honor the vendors participating in the event, and the brides, grooms, couples, family and friends who wish to attend this very special wedding showcase.

Visit http://www.labellabride.com for details & tickets or call 401.946.0009 today.

A total of 170 exhibitors will be serenading couples at the Weddings Fair this weekend in a bid to facilitate preparations for their big day.

The fair, opened last night by Family Minister Dolores Cristina at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali, is a one-stop-shop for weddings.

The hundreds of products and services showcased include wedding dresses, reception halls, caterers, musicians, beauticians, hairdressers, florists, jewellers, photographers and videos, cars, souvenirs, wines and spirits, fashion wear for guests and travel agents. A fashion show will be held tomorrow at 8 p.m.

A topic related to the wedding day will be tackled daily during a seminar.

Prizes to be won include a honeymoon, cultured pearls and a bridal gown, among others.

The fair runs until Sunday. Tonight and tomorrow it will open from 6 to 11.30 p.m. and on Sunday from 2.30 to 9.30 p.m.

Fall Bridal Spectacular is an event for fashion designers and manufacturers within the bridal and formal wear industry to learn and will throw up opportunities for designers & craftsmen to share ideas. Also to further develop possibilities of trade in the subcontinent.

The Fall Bridal Spectacular will consist of two runway shows featuring couture and full service bridal salons and local vendors.

Exhibitors in attendance will range from bridal, gowns, & accessories, henna dresses, evening wear, bridemaids, groom’s wear, jewelry, beauty / hair services & products, textiles, sound, light & entertainment, photography & video production, floral & stage design, wedding stationary, wedding cakes, confectionary, catering services, limousine services, financial services & banks, health care services, honeymoon & travel services, gifts & wedding favors, to home furnishings.

The next Fall Bridal Spectacular event will be on November 3-7, 2007 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

Most bridal shows are scheduled in the months of January and August. Tickets are usually between $5.00 and $10.00 with a one or two dollar discount if you purchase your tickets online before the event. Prizes may be offered for the first 100, 200 or 500 brides to attend, which usually includes a copy of a major bridal magazine such as Modern Bride, a local bridal guide, a pin that says Bride to Be, as well as tickets for drawings and sweepstakes.

The most recent bridal show I attended started at 11:00 and ended at 5:00. They had a mini bridal fashion show that started at noon and showcased about 20 wedding gowns from one of the exhibitors. The Runway Fashion Show which included more gowns and tuxedos was scheduled for 3:00. The prize drawings were announced at 2pm and 4pm. Having arrived at 11:00, my guests and I had visited all the exhibitors, watched the mini fashion show, and were done by around 12:30. I recommend going to bridal shows later in the day in order to be there for the main events and giveaways. Also, I noticed that there were plenty of free magazines, buttons, and gifts for people arriving after 12:30. Expect to see a multitude of local photographers at any bridal show you attend. You will be a little overwhelmed by their displays, but spend a little time looking through their photo albums, which contain some of their most personal and unusual candid shots. You will have fun sampling wedding cakes from all the local bakeries. Even better, is seeing new trends in wedding cakes. I saw rich, brown layered cakes with gold leaf accents, and bold, bright colors such as magenta, purple and hot pink. Unless you want to be bombarded with phone calls and emails from wedding professionals, be careful about the forms you fill out for the exhibitors. My daughter filled out a form for a free cruise giveaway. She was called after the show and asked for her credit card number over the phone. Remember, that even if you win something, it may be a $500 discount off of a $2,000 photography package. Being able to talk to so many wedding professionals in one place is very beneficial. Looking at companies online, who all claim to be the best at what they do, is impersonal and confusing. The exhibitors are friendly and helpful. You will be able to determine for yourself whether you like the taste and look of their cakes, or the design of their flower arrangements. You may not win a prize, but you will come home with a free magazine, some referrals, and some great new ideas for your wedding. Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our site for additional wedding tips, advice and information.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Terrana http://EzineArticles.com/?What-To-Expect-From-A-Bridal-Show&id=417861

25 local designers will show off their work at Portland Fashion Week
With one week to go until showtime, Portland designer Elizabeth Dye hasn’t decided if she will be showing wedding dresses. In preparation for her Oct. 22 Portland Fashion Week collaborative fashion show, Dye has been editing her show and touching up finished pieces for the past six weeks.

As a ready-to-wear and custom designer, Dye designs for the best of both worlds, but her decision to include both is not yet decided.

“Haute couture is being made by fewer and fewer designers everyday,” Dye said.

Designing custom-made wedding dresses is Dye’s outlet for extravagant creativity.

She enjoys designing alternative wedding dresses because her customers feel free to indulge their fantasies they wouldn’t normally explore in other areas of their lives, Dye said. But whether a selection of these dresses will walk the runway is undecided as of now.

This should not worry the Elizabeth Dye tribe - she cuts it closer to showtime than most designers because she likes the intensity of pressure that short deadlines bring.

Portland Fashion Week, which runs Friday, Oct. 19 to Wednesday, Oct. 24 features 33 designers, 25 of whom are local.

Dye will show her designs on Monday’s collaborative show titled “The Collections” alongside designers A Broken Spoke, Dayna Pinkham, Emily Ryan, Holly Stalder and Kate Towers, among others.

“Putting together a show is all about discipline,” she said. The trick, Dye explained, is narrowing down ideas for a particular show.

“I will wake up in the middle of the night with an idea or inspiration that is appropriate for fall or spring or good for living on my inspiration board for three years,” she said.

So what will next Monday look like for Dye?

“My rule is I can’t sew on the day of the show,” she said. “It is like a wedding day. I have to make myself eat.”

Sustainable fashion in Portland has been a buzzword in town for several years. Some designers have taken sustainability and applied it to every aspect of their business, but not all Portland designers stick to a strict sustainable diet of minimally processed and dyed fabrics.

“I also consider sustainable fashion to be living and working in the community where you sell your clothes,” Dye said.

Because Dye sells clothes from her own shop on NW 23rd Avenue, she cuts the environmental degradation common in the fashion industry by eliminating transport cost while maintaining that local connection to the community.

Portland designers have the freedom to be flexible within the city’s young industry. What Portland lacks in century-old traditions of textiles and couture is made up for with the value the community places on local talent.

“Portland and Paris fashion week don’t have much in common,” she said, “but that is good thing.”

Source:

The lush grounds of the Marriott Hotel played host to the city’s first glitzy Asian Wedding show. The sequin-spangled spectacular featured a range of traders showcasing their exotic and vibrant wares.

Beautifully-embroidered saris and luxurious lenghas transformed the hotel, in Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, into a treasure trove of Eastern delights all under one roof.

Would-be brides and bridegrooms were serenaded by live music and were able to get advice and tips from wedding planners, photographers, florists, beauticians and fashion designers.

People looking for last-minute finishing touches to their wedding dos were also inspired by the razzle-dazzle of the free event.

Source: The Evening Telegraph

Brides-to-be received some helpful hints for planning their wedding Sunday afternoon at the Daily American’s “Here comes the bride expo/show.”

More than 20 vendors filled a banquet room at The Ligonier Country Inn, offering brides and their families suggestions on how to make their wedding day one of a kind.

Rachel Fox of Shanksville was one of the many women who attended Sunday’s event. The young bride-to-be said the expo was very helpful in planning her May wedding.

“There is a lot of variety and different ideas here,” Fox said. “It’s nice to see all these vendors under one roof. I was able to talk with each vendor and get a feel for what I want on my wedding day.”

Photography studios to florists and caterers displayed their businesses service.

April Hershberger, owner of Mountain Top Travel in Grantsville, Md., provided brides with non-traditional wedding options such as a destination wedding.

Hershberger, who formed her company four months ago, recently got married in Jamaica, which sparked her decision to start her own business.

Sunday’s expo was Hershberger’s first show. She said it was successful. “It’s been going well today,” she said.

A fashion show illustrated the latest trends in elegant wedding wear provided by Beverly’s Touch of Elegance in Bedford.

Janie Ohler, owner of LaRena’s Bridal & Formal Wear in Somerset, spent Sunday showing sample dresses, tuxedos and suits of the new trends in bridal wear.

One of the new trends is brown tuxedos and bridesmaids dresses, she said. Also popular is two tone color dress and accessories such as sashes and belts, she continued.

Sashes and belts are popular in fall fashion and it had a strong influence in wedding wear, Ohler said.

Source: Daily American

Fashion show for Brides to feature Bride’s gowns and Bride’s dresses from leading wedding dress designers such as Maggie Sottero, Caroline Castigliano, Vera Wang, Mori Lee, Augusta Jones.

Guides for Brides Ltd - one of the UK’s leading online directories for weddings and wedding suppliers, announces The Bridal Showcase, to be held on 23rd September at the Oxford Centre on Banbury Road, Oxford. The Bridal Showcase is the first wedding event of its kind to be held in Oxfordshire and will feature bride’s gowns and bride’s dresses from leading wedding dress designers such as Maggie Sottero, Caroline Castigliano, Vera Wang, Mori Lee and Augusta Jones. For more information please contact 01235 770078 during office hours, or visit www.guidesforbrides.co.uk

Wedding event for brides to be, bridesmaids and brides’ mothers
The Bridal Showcase is the first of its kind in Oxfordshire. Held exclusively by ladies and for ladies; it is intended to be a sophisticated and enjoyable event to help brides plan the most important day of their life. “On the 23rd September from 12noon-6pm, brides to be, bridesmaids and mothers alike will fill the stylish surroundings of the Oxford Centre on Banbury Road, Oxford”, explain Alison Hargreaves, Director of Guides for Brides. “They will have the opportunity to take advantage of the top wedding businesses and professionals from around the county, while raising money for female related charities.”

Oxfordshire’s most popular bridal boutiques“Entertainment and inspiration collide with fantastic fashion shows set to live music throughout the day, showcasing the latest and most stylish bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride outfits from a range of leading designers,” enthuses Alison.

“The day is far from your usual wedding fair. For the first time ever brides will have the opportunity to see gowns being modelled on the catwalk and then try them on themselves.” Oxfordshire’s most popular bridal boutiques will all be present at the event, offering brides expert advice and a selection of gowns never seen before in one venue. Health and beauty practitioners will be on hand to assist attendees with professional guidance on looking fabulous for their wedding day.

This event is intended to be diverse, where attendees will be able to speak first hand with female wedding experts. From photography to florists; cakes to cars they will receive credible advice from the elite of wedding professionals to help them to plan their day.

Further details from Guides for Brides 01235 770078
or www.thebridalshowcase.co.uk.

About Guides for Brides
Guides for Brides Ltd are the creators of the definitive “Guides for Brides” wedding directory, available in both paper and online versions. This free “Bride’s Bible” is currently published in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Wiltshire. The invaluable Guides for Brides wedding website launched in 1998 is one of the UK’s most comprehensive databases for wedding businesses and wedding information.

Companies can contact Guides for Brides for more information about including their business in the Guides for Brides booklets on 01235 770078 during office hours, or at www.wedding-advertising.co.uk

Contact Details

Contact: John Maddaford (Wedding Fair Co-Ordinator)
Phone: 01235 770078

Web: www.guidesforbrides.co.uk
Web: www.thebridalshowcase.co.uk
Email: info@guidesforbrides.co.uk

Guides for Brides Ltd
Larkhill Farm
Wantage,
Oxfordshire
OX12 8PJ

Celebration House is getting ready to host the Cape Town Wedding Festival, which is held at the V&A Waterfront every year.

One of the big advantages of attending the Wedding Festival is that it gives you the opportunity to meet, face to face, many of those directly involved in the wedding industry and to see first hand what they have to offer, as well as how they present themselves.

At this year’s event, visitors will be able to interact with a host of service providers — exhibits include those by leading dress designers and top venues, photographers and videographers, as well as gift registries, jewellers, florists, stationery experts, cake decorators, chocolate fountains and many more.

Capturing beauty and romance
Pam Black of Celebration House explains, “beauty and romance are the essence of a wedding, we want to capture these vital ingredients in our festival”.

During the weekend of the festival there will be mini-fashion shows three times a day. As before, the aim of these shows is to highlight the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of buying a wedding dress, and give brides-to-be some guidelines for choosing a garment that is suited to one’s individual body shape.

“We have asked our designers for some insider tips and secrets on how to look gorgeous on your wedding day, and this useful advice will be passed on to the fashion show audiences. There will be two shows on Friday and three on Saturday and Sunday,” says Pam.

After eleven years of talking to brides, they know one thing for sure — they all love trying on wedding dresses. Thus a feature of the festival that has grown in popularity is their ‘dressing-up box’ — an area dedicated to the trying-on of wedding gowns created by our top designers, with advice provided by a leading stylist. There is no charge for this service but as it is a popular attraction, but it is necessary to book a time slot to avoid disappointment.

Another popular attraction is the ‘make-up box’, where several of our leading make-up artists will be on hand to provide makeovers and, together with hairstylists, offer advice on looking stunning on your wedding day. It is also necessary to make a booking for this complimentary service, so remember to do so when you arrive at the festival.

An ‘interactive festival’
“We have always prided ourselves on having a very ‘interactive’ festival, as we feel it is important for couples to go home inspired and full of interesting new ideas to help with planning their weddings. With this in mind, we know that this year’s exciting new addition to the Festival, our ‘Inspiration Zone’, is going to be a huge hit, as it will provide visitors with a feast of exciting and stimulating ideas,” says Pam.

Festival tickets (R35 per person, under 18 free) will enable you to come and go throughout the day, at your leisure. And should the man in your life start to feel that he is on wedding-overload, there will even be a spot at the back of the marquee where he can ‘chill out’.

Throughout the weekend, a variety of musicians — from string quartets to soloists, African drummers and more — will be at the festival to entertain you.

Visitors will also be eligible to enter the fabulous Festival Competition, with a top prize this year of an original Robyn Roberts wedding dress worth R10 000. There are many other wonderful prizes up for grabs as well, including a night for two at a private game reserve, an ante-nuptial contract, wedding transport, and much more. Details are listed on their website, www.celebrationhouse.co.za or www.capetownweddingfestival.co.za.

The Cape Town Wedding Festival will be held at the V&A Waterfront (Market Square and The V & A Forum) from 7-9 September 2007.

Indian and Pakistani designers put wedding wears on display during the three-day annual fashion exhibition that began here today with the theme ‘Jashn-e-Azadi’ (celebration of independence).

As the wedding season approaches, the exhibition aims to exploit the market by bringing the business community into direct contact with the buyers, besides offering to the consumers a plethora of choices for the wedding plans.

Henna designers, wedding planners, photographers and make-up artistes are showcasing their skills at the event, seen as part of moves to give thrust to cultural exchange between the two countries.

Among the designers who transcended the borders to participate in the expo are Aiesha Varsey, Shahla Rehman and Farida Qureshi, who would showcase fashion prevalent in the sub-continent, especially in bridal wear, incorporating ethnicity and contemporaneity.

“The exhibition draws more than 100 exhibitors every year from India and Pakistan. With the onset of the marriage season, the eighth edition of the exhibition is slated to be a grand success,” International Trade and Exhibitions India Pvt Ltd (ITE) Director Kiran Sharma said.

She said the event also aims to provide a platform to aspiring designers and artists from the industry, adding that US-based buyers have already placed orders with several participants.

“We have also taken the show to other cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ludhiana as well as to overseas locations in Bangkok and London,” she said.

Organised by the ITE India Pvt Ltd, the designers displayed trousseau collection of accessories, jewellery and gifts.

Source: The Economic Times

On Sunday, September 9, 2007 from 2 - 5 p.m. Weddings in Style Magazine presents, “A Who’s WHO in I do”…Bridal Show. This event will provide a rare occasion for brides to meet with more than 100 of the finest wedding professionals from around the country at the Windsor Court Hotel, located at 300 Gravier Street.

Experts from every field associated with weddings from honeymoon destinations to extraordinary wedding venues, ice sculptures, unique florist, caterers and exceptional photographers will be on hand to ensure couples make their wedding dreams a reality. Plus, brides-to-be can register to win countless door prizes and a free honeymoon.

Guests will experience a fashion show like no other in one of the grandest hotels of the city, The Windsor Court, consistently recognized as one of the “Top Hotels” in the country by the leading travel magazines including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. There will be a preview of 2008 couture, wedding gowns from acclaimed designers such as Lazaro, Carolina Herrera, Rivini and Jim Hjelm. Theses gowns along with a plethora of accessories and ideas for hair and makeup will be modeled by some of our most stunning local brides.

“There is a huge movement coming our way this year in wedding gowns. When we pre-viewed the 2008 Spring collections, we witnessed a fetish for conservatism. The abundance of cap sleeves and higher necklines are all indicators that designers are appealing to the softer more elegant side of the blushing bride. A number of designers have added a jacket accessory of one sort or another. The best news is that and after the big day, brides can wear the jackets again with jeans and skirts.” says Weddings in Style Magazine Publisher, Christine Breaux.

Beyond previewing breathtaking fashion, you can savor the delectable variety of homemade pastries, desserts, and confections by Windsor Court’s Executive Pastry Chef, Melissa Grim. She holds an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and has traveled extensively training with some of the best in her field. Melissa made the move to New Orleans with her fiance in October 2005 after Hurricane Katrina to be the Pastry Chef during an inspiring and challenging time for the city, continuing the tradition of The Windsor Court’s high standards of excellence for award-winning cuisine, service and presentation.

This grand bridal event is open to the public and will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 9th sponsored by the Windsor Court Hotel located at 300 Gravier Street. The Fashion Show Tea will begin at 4:30 p.m.; separate reservations required in advance and include basic tea package at $30.00 per person. Tickets to the bridal show are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be ordered by calling Christine Breaux at 504.525.BRIDE (2743). For more information visit www.weddingsmagazines.com.

Source: Nola.com

Award-winning Russian fashion designer Tatyana Parfionova will make her USA debut with the showing of her latest collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City. The highly anticipated fashion show will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2007 in the Roof Ballroom of the world-famous St. Regis Hotel.

Tatyana Parfionova introduced her first collection in 1995. Premiered at the Vilnius International In-Vogue Festival, the collection received the “Golden Button” first prize, presented to the designer by Paco Rabanne. Since then she has shown her stunning creations in London, Prague, St. Petersburg, Beijing, and of course, in Moscow at Russian Fashion Week where she has received numerous awards including the “Golden Mannequin” award for best collection and the “Silver Gown” award for excellence in Russian fashion development. At the last edition of the event, Ms. Parfionova presented her collection for Swedish brand “Duchessa di Almia.”

Today, the name Tatyana Parfionova defines the art of Russian fashion design. Every year a team of more than 50 artisans produces two seasonal and two interseasonal collections. All garments are hand worked and individually crafted from the highest quality fabrics. The result is custom-designed apparel that is at once elegant, fashionable and artistic. Embroidered elements add a warm touch of decorative detail, a signature of the style that is distinctly Tatyana Parfionova. Her designs are sold at her flagship boutique on Saint Petersburg’s chic Nevsky Prospekt. According to Frommer’s Review: “Arguably St. Petersburg’s most famous fashion designer, Parfionova creates unforgettable, original clothes and accessories. Her shows are the hottest ticket in town and her pieces are displayed in the Russian Museum. For something you definitely won’t find at home, stop at her boutique.”

“We are looking forward to presenting the exquisite artistry of this highly accomplished designer in New York City for the first time,” says Couture Fashion Week producer Andres Aquino. “Tatyana’s runway show is sure to be one of the highlights of this season’s fashion week.”

Couture Fashion Week and Bridal Fashion Week are multi-day events showcasing luxury couture and fine fashion including eveningwear, elegant fashion, couture bridal as well as accessories. Attendees include upscale consumers, invited VIPs, the press and selected high-end store buyers. The events also include exhibits of luxury brands as well as entertainment and networking cocktail and after-parties, and are held in top venues in New York City, Palm Beach, Naples, Florida and other selected cities.

In addition to its ongoing offering of unique branding opportunities for luxury products and services, Couture Fashion Week works in conjunction with lifestyle industry leaders around the world in offering attendance at the fashion shows as part of lavish travel and shopping experiences for those with exquisite tastes.

A limited number of tickets to these events are available for non-trade and may be purchased online at www.usafashionshows.com/showschedules.htm

Hoping for a share in India’s burgeoning wedding market, Pakistani fashion designers are again readying to showcase their creative brilliance during the eighth edition of the ‘Bride and Groom 2007′ wedding exhibition here later this month.

Organized by the International Trade and Exhibition (ITE) Group, the three-day extravaganza is scheduled for Aug 18-20.

“Since the auspicious season of weddings is coming up, we are delighted to announce the eighth edition of the exhibition. It draws more than 100 exhibitors every year from India and Pakistan,” said ITE Group India director Kiran Sharma in a press release.

This is the fifth year running that Pakistani designers are participating in the exhibition.

“It is one-stop shop for making the big day as perfect as can be. The event brings a convenient and exciting array of virtually everything one needs to buy or plan for a wedding - from the pre-nuptials to the honeymoon,” Sharma maintained.

During the fair Pakistani fashion designers Shahla Rehman, Summaya Warsi, Farida Qureshi and Moina Faroogui will woo visitors with their designs.

The works of Indian designers like Gaurav Om Chabra, Yuvraj, Seema Agarwal and Ekta will also be on view.

Revealing the USP of the fair, Sharma said: “The affordability of products at our exhibition helps us in creating a niche for ourselves in the growing wedding industry”.

Other than clothes, the exhibition will also showcase wedding solutions ranging from trousseaus, accessories, jewellery, gifts, make-up, wedding planning, photography, and honeymoon packages - all under one roof.

Source: Indian Muslims

Future wives, few men flock to Bridal Showcase for flowers, fashion, fun.

Pop quiz: What Richmond event attracts hundreds of beautiful women, yet — as one woman put it — a lot of men “wouldn’t be caught dead here”?

Answer: the Richmond Bridal Showcase.

Yesterday, about 1,800 people visited vendor booths at the Greater Richmond Convention Center to consider wedding dresses, photographers, caterers, chocolate fountains, ballroom dance lessons, bachelorette parties and a variety of other products and services.

Though the vast majority in attendance were brides-to-be and their teams of female supporters, some men tagged along — and earned major kudos from fiancées.

“It means a lot. I know that he actually cares,” said 29-year-old Treda Smith of Chester.

Her fiancé stood beside her with a wide smile on his face.

About 125 wedding professionals were on hand, according to organizers. Women could look through several racks of wedding dresses, and a wedding fashion show began around 3 p.m.

The mere thought of flocks of women in search of everything to perfect their weddings was enough to frighten husband-to-be Juan Martinez, who plans to wed in June 2008. The 25-year-old from Colonial Heights said that he had pictured “a really big, big hall with nothing but women in it,” but said that it ended up being more fun than he expected.

Tickets were $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Brides were given heart-shaped pins, making them easy targets for vendors, and many companies had giveaways and prize drawings — not to mention free food samples from some caterers.

Several brides-to-be — those joined only by female companions — said some future grooms refused to visit a bridal show.

“I wouldn’t expect him to come look at flowers,” said Jennifer Bush, 25, of Glen Allen who said she didn’t even waste time asking her fiancé to come. “He would have laughed at me. . . . He would have been like, ‘Are you kidding me?’”

First Things First of Greater Richmond, which promotes happier marriages through sessions on topics like “How To Avoid Marrying A JERK (or JERKETTE),” had a booth. Board member Janet Broadway said that the happiest weddings unite two people who know they love one another and are excited about having a long marriage.

Her husband, Brian Broadway, also volunteers for the nonprofit organization. He said women are more likely than men to think of their wedding as their personal special day. To prove his point, Broadway stopped a passing bride-to-be and asked her, “What is today all about?”

“Me,” said Christina Hovey, 25, of Fredericksburg. She said the best thing she’d seen yesterday was a chocolate fountain. The excitement was evident in Hovey’s voice when she chatted with Broadway about her fiancé, whom she plans to marry after he returns from military service in Iraq.

Her mother, Sue Hovey, who has been married more than 26 years, gave this advice to brides-to-be: Look at weddings as the start to a marriage, not just an event — and have separate bathroom sinks.

Source: inRich.com

The eighth edition of ‘Bride & Groom 2007’ exhibition showcasing all wedding-related paraphernalia opens at Hotel Ashok here later this month. The three-day exhibition opening on August 18 will display the complete wedding range including trousseau, accessories, latest jewellery and wedding gifts. To give all the minute tips to prospective brides and grooms about what they should purchase to look their best on the D-Day, the exhibition will organise one-on-one sessions with experts, make-up artists, wedding planners, specialised wedding photographers and honeymoon packagers.

Besides providing a wide array of dresses to consumers, this year’s exhibition will also bring the business community into direct contact with buyers.

Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, International Trade and Exhibition (ITE) Group India director Kiran Sharma says: “Every year the exhibition draws more than a hundred exhibitors from India and Pakistan. It is a one-stop shopping destination. The event brings an exciting array of virtually everything one needs to buy for a wedding.”
Budding designers

“Our exhibition,” adds Kiran Sharma, “is aimed at providing a platform to talented and aspiring newcomers in the fashion industry. Providing myriad choices in each category, this exhibition brings together designers and shopping marts all under one roof for three continuous days.”
Sneak preview on August 16

The exhibition will be preceded by a sneak preview on August 16 at the Ashok. A large number of participants from across the country will display all the distinct traditional as well as contemporary styles. While Indian designers will include Sagar Mehra, Gaurav Om Chabhra, Renu Dadlani and Seema Agarwal, designers from Pakistan include Aiesha Varsey, Monia Farooqui and Shahrek Lala.

Source: The Hindu

Stacey Hutchens, grand prize winner at Bridal Fair 2007, and Greg Stover were married Saturday at Ewing Creek Baptist Church in Clear Creek.

The daughter of Joyce Hart of Cool Ridge and Edward Hutchens of Lexington, Ky., the bride is a 2004 graduate of Shady Spring High School and attends Concord University.

Stover is the son of Kim and Danny Stover of Clear Creek and is a 2003 graduate of Liberty High School.

An employee of Belk, one of the sponsors of the annual bridal fair, the new Mrs. Stover was as surprised as anyone to take home the grand prize that included $1,000 in merchandise from All Seasons Floral and Tuxedos, Party King Rentals and Lite Side Cakes and Catering in Beckley.

“The grand prize helped us with the food, decorations and flowers,” she said. “It really came in handy and helped us a good bit.”

The fair was sponsored by The Register-Herald, Belk, Harvey’s Fashions and Bridals, Tamarack Conference Center, Party King Rentals and Sales, Lite Side Cakes and Catering and All Seasons Floral and Tuxedos.

“I think I can speak for all of our sponsors in saying we enjoy providing the bridal fair each year,” said Chuck Jessup, advertising director for The Register-Herald. “It’s a really nice event that provides the convenience of one-stop shopping, not only for brides, but for anyone planning a special occasion. They can check with florists, caterers, fashion experts, photographers and other businesses that provide services for weddings, receptions, anniversary celebrations and special occasions.”

Source: theRegister-Herald

There was a variety of reasons men could not make it Sunday to the Wedding Fair at the American Bank Center.

“He’s at work,” said bride-to-be Megan Escobedo, of her fiance.

“Her fiance is in the Air Force, stationed in Kansas,” said Velma Camacho, whose daughter Vanessa is getting married next month.

“I really didn’t give him a choice,” said Melissa Fonseca, who recently had a child and is planning her own wedding. “I said, ‘I’m leaving, and you’re staying home to take care of the baby.’ ”

What was highly visible at the event — mothers. While the bi-annual fair, which attracted more than 2,000 people, also brought some potential grooms, mothers and other older female relatives were a formidable presence. They joined daughters and future daughters-in-law as they tried cake, cast critical gazes at decorations and dresses and networked with planners.

Camacho, who sat down with a cake sample as she waited for a bridal fashion show to begin, said she saw the day as an opportunity to relive and revamp her own wedding-planning experience more than 30 years ago. She said she took a backseat then when it came to setting up her big day.

“Back then, mom and dad did more of the planning than the bride did,” she said. “Now, I’m helping out, but I’m letting my daughter decide what she wants.”

Tim Lyons, co-owner of B&T Rentals, said 80 percent of calls his business receives are from mothers of brides.

“There are some couples, but normally, it’ll be the mother and the daughter,” he said. “The guy thing is the bachelor party and maybe the honeymoon.”

While Christina Trudeau, manager of Electric Tan, joked that “men just get in the way,” laser technician April Hinojosa said having mom around adds a feeling of comfort and stability to the planning of a major life change.

Escobedo said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“She needs to be involved in everything,” she said. “Her opinion means more to me than anything.”

More shows from Wedding Fair Events

Source: Caller.com

Jason Smith, 23, walked around Century II Exhibition Hall bewildered. He was sure that among the white dresses with silver trim, the chocolate fountains and the delicate floral arrangements he would find his fiancee of one year, 22-year-old Ashley Will.

“I’ve been trying to keep up and trying not to lose her,” he said. “I’ll focus on one thing and then she’s gone.”

Smith wasn’t the only groom-to-be in a trance. Several others accompanied their soon-to-be spouses at the Bridal & Prom Expo on Sunday .

Through the eyes of the brides, the fair had it all in one convenient location — dress, flowers, tuxes, entertainment, green party bus. For some grooms, however, it was all they could do to keep track of their fiancees amid the chaos.

Once they’d had a chance to take it all in, some admitted they actually enjoyed it.

“I’ve been impressed,” Smith grinned. “I’ve been here three hours.”

Will looked at her watch and corrected him: “Almost two.”

Jay Crosby, 21, said he was overwhelmed by all the wedding planning.

“I let her do it all,” he said, nodding toward 20-year-old fiancee Christina Matias. “All we agreed on is the colors. The rest, she could do it.”

Matias, who said she had a lot of things already planned, said the colors would be gold and orange.

“I don’t know about that,” Crosby said. “It’s too close together. We’ll talk about it.”

Not every groom felt dumbfounded. Jorge Orellana, 30, was able to get cheaper deals on the cake and tuxes for his October wedding to 36-year-old Yvette Valdez.

“The main reason we came was to have the nicest wedding possible for the least amount possible,” he said. “I’ve been getting lots of ideas. I thought it was going to be boring.”

Valdez said that it took her three days to drive around to different shops for her wedding. But the last-minute preparations, she said, are going to be done in no time.

“It’s all in one spot,” Valdez said, smiling, as she hugged her fiance.

Source: Kansas.com

Bridal Santacruzan fashion show is all set to make its debut in the City of Pines and the strikingly exotic Baguio Cathedral (BC) will become the host.

‘Weddings Made in Heaven’, 2007 Bridal Fashion Show is scheduled on February 23, where Designers Olec Josephus, Boyet Dysico, Ryan Rufino, and Cynthia Tabora-Tuason will present their creations.

This highly anticipated one-hour show has been organized by Heaven’s Touch Planners and Coordinators and Baguio Country Club (BCC).

Source: Fibre2Fashion

The smell of beautiful bridal bouquets and scented candles filled Lake Hume Resort yesterday as more than 1000 people attended Lake Hume Resort’s 12th annual Bridal Fair.

The brides-to-be, their mothers, girlfriends, and fiances wandered the fair looking for the items that would make their wedding perfect and unique.

Stall holders covered everything from stationery and photography to the little gifts placed on dinner tables for guests at the reception.

Billion Dollar Dreams customer service manager Brett Baird said women’s bridal dress trends were shifting towards “more romantic styles”.

“We are seeing a lot more embellishments, like embroidery, lace, beading and dresses with shoulder sleeves are very popular at the moment,” he said.

“The sweetheart neckline is also coming back with a vengeance and A-line skirts with tulle and lace inserts are also quite popular.”

Mr Baird said choosing the style was sometimes the easy part.

“Once a bride is set on the style there is also the matter of finding the right colour to set off her skin tone,” he said.

“Ivory is a very popular colour and now comes in 18 different shades from warm ivory to a vanilla shade.

“But white is still strong, especially with tanned girls.”

Lake Hume wedding co-ordinator Shelley Dargan said the crowd numbers were up 20 per cent on last year.

“We have people from as far as Melbourne and Sydney coming to see our beautiful fashion parade featuring up-to-the-moment bridal fashions from Border businesses,” she said.

“Some people are interested in the fashions while others just wanted to pick up last-minute pieces for their wedding.”

Lou Ching Wong, project coordinator for the mega Hair and Beauty Fair and Hair Asia Pacific 2007, speaking on his role at the event, said, ‘I am in charge of the coordination and choreographing of the productions held throughout the event’. The fair will kick off on March 2 with the day focused on everything related to hair.

The show is sponsored by L’Oreal, the leading hair-care product company. There will be demonstrations by leading local and foreign experts featuring cuts, colouring and a variety of styles, along with competitions for the national awards ceremony, comprising of ladies and gents haircuts, as well as bridal and evening hairstyles during the day. An international hair show will be held in the evening, showcasing trend statements, especially with regard to forecasting the latest trends in hairstyles. The one-hour show will feature Sri Lanka’s top hairstylists with foreign hairstylists also participating.

Renowned Pakistani Cosmetologist and Dermatologist Dr. Farah Farook will have a comprehensive two hour presentation followed by a one to one session with the public on the medicinal aspect of beauty and skin care on March 3, which kicks off the day focused on beauty.

March 4, focuses on fashion - where there will be competitions related to bridals from western and oriental to the traditional and contemporary as well as the full fashion look for men and women. The highlight of the day will be the much-anticipated Fashion Extravaganza, where fashion shows will be held right throughout the day showcasing creations of some of Sri Lanka’s leading fashion designers and designing schools. Comprising of a series of fashion shows, with a pool of 15 female models and six male models, eight collections will be displayed, with each show lasting for 30 minutes, with breaks in between.

A bridal show, which will showcase a cross section of brides, will be presented by SLAHAB in the evening. Anom, an Indonesian designer who will be showcasing his collection, will follow this, with four Indonesian models participating.

Sri Lanka’s pioneer in the fashion industry Kirthi Sri Karunaratne starts off the series of shows, displaying a wide variety of sari’s at the show, followed by Yolanda Aluvihare, who will also showcase a collection of sari’s, with tie and dye, batik and classical motifs. Undergraduate students following the degree programme in Fashion Design and Product Development at the University of Moratuwa will present their creations, with Brian Kerkoven’s collection for men and women and Purnima Abeyratne’s medieval themed collection next in line.

Dhammika Amarasekera is staging a comeback, with a collection focused on the colour white,thirteen students from the Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology (LIFT) recreating the 1970’s look and Ruchira Silva’s Haute Exotica Couture themed collection end the show,leading to a gala dinner for all competitors.
Hair Asia Pacific starts on March 5, with over 200 foreign participants comprising of Jacklyn Tan, Director of Pivot Point, Singapore, Rudi Hadisuwarno, President of the Indonesian Hairdressers Association and President of the OMC and ICD, Indonesia, Suchard Konreuk, President of the All Thai Hairdressers Association and Ruhana Iqbal Khan, President of PHABA, Pakistan among others. Attended by 15 countries in the zone, which include Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Pakistan, India, Taiwan, and Malaysia, the international event is to be one of glitz and glamour.

An awards ceremony will also be held, with winners from each category entitled to prize money of USD500 and USD2000 for the grand championship category. An international hair show will follow with New York based Indian designer, Payal Singh showcasing her Indo Western collection, which will be on sale on March 6, 2007 at the lobby of the Galadari Hotel.

Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism as a national event, the fair is guaranteed to create benchmarks in the local hair, beauty and fashion industry as well as go a long way in elevating the standards to an international level by creating awareness to the consumer and giving exposure to talented individuals in the various fields. There will be demonstrations by leading local and international experts, as well as fashion and hair shows and 50 trade stalls, with Indian cosmetic jewellery and special honeymoon packages to Bali standing out. There will also be mini competitions for the public during the three days, with prizes being given out to the ‘Best Head of Hair,’ ‘Best Skin,’ ‘the Smartest Dressed Girl.’ All of this is on offer to the public, with the entrance ticket being only Rs100, which includes a welcome drink.”

Nayana Karunaratne, founder of the Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians (SLAHAB) and Chairman of the organising committe, speaking on the event, said, “This is going to be a mega event, featuring three days focusing on hair, beauty and fashion, and finishing up with the grand finale, which would be the Hair Asia Pacific event.”

The second edition of the Perfect Wedding Show is all set to open its doors at Expo Centre Sharjah on February 20, 2007.

The five-day event, considered the region’s most comprehensive display of wedding related products and services, will feature over 120 exhibitors.

Exhibits at the show will include a very diverse and fascinating range of items. Among them will be wedding decoration products, fashion and jewellery wear including bridal wear, beauty items, wedding stationery, catering services, wedding venues, sound and light services, and photography and video services.

Exquisite and rare bridal collections from Lebanon, Italy, Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, will be major head turners at the show.

‘The coming edition of the Perfect Wedding Show will be a reflection of traditional as well as contemporary wedding trends in the Middle East region,’ said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

For to-be-married couples and their families, irrespective of the trend they wish to follow, the event will serve as a one stop shop for all their wedding needs,’ he added.

This year’s Perfect Wedding Show, like the debut edition in 2006, will be an action-filled event packed with glitz and glamour.

A major attraction will be the daily fashion shows by some of the best-known and most exclusive names in the regional fashion arena.

UAE based Salma Khan Fashion House, Hanayen, Amato, Sweet Lady, and Ateej Al Souf, Iran’s Rahmanian, Bahrain’s Shujoon and Scarf, and Saudi Arabia’s Zaki Bin Abboud, are some of the designer labels that will be showcased at this year’s Perfect Wedding Show.

Salma Khan Fashion House is a renowned fashion house located in Dubai and specializes in Westerns, Asians and Arabic fashion that include ‘Jalabiyas’, Wedding Gowns, along with several other fusion outfits.

Hanayen, spread across the UAE, on the other hand concentrates exclusively on traditional Arabic dresses for women, particularly Abaya and Sheila.

Dubai-based Amato, known for infusing creativity and innovation along with sophistication and glamour, has over the years gained a significant number of elite clients in the region.

Sweet Lady, also known for its exclusive designs of Abaya and Sheila, uses premium quality Japanese fabric for its creations. It uses the latest machines and technology in its high-end creations.

Ateej Al Souf is a name that is synonymous with exclusive Jalabiyas and special Henna dresses. The creations have been presented in numerous fashion shows across the region.

Among designers based outside the UAE, Iran’s Rahmanian is a name to reckon in the Middle East fashion scene. Its designer Mohamed Rahmanian, is known for integrating centuries old techniques of superior embellishment with the beauty of today’s modern silhouettes.

Bahrain’s Shujoon and Scarf have also successfully created a name for themselves among the region’s fashion enthusiasts.

Shujoon, known for its exclusive Abayas, features designs that are unique in the sense that it uses premium Abaya fabric, embroidery and special stones.

Scarf is also known for its creation of the traditional Arabic Abaya with Saleh. The company has demonstrated that the Arabic dress can be transformed from a mere article of clothing to fashionable wear by adding new designer dimensions, styles, embroidery, accessories and decorative jewellery.

Jeddah-based Saudi Arabian designer Zaki bin Abboud is known for her spectacular designs in her haute couture collections. A winner of several international fashion awards, Zaki bin Abboud is better known as the Princessa of Arabic Fashion. Her work has been publicized in both local and international media.

The electrifying fashion shows alongside the Perfect Wedding Show will be held everyday at 7.15 pm and 9.00 pm on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd, at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm on February 23rd, and at 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm on February 24.

Another highlight of the Show will be the performances by professional dance troupes from Lebanon on the sidelines.

The Perfect Wedding Show is an initiative of Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The Show will be open exclusively for ladies on 20th and 22nd February from 10 am to 3 pm. For general public, the show will be open from 3 pm to 10 pm.

Choosing a wedding dress can be a stressful time in a bride’s planning process. Countless visits to bridal shops looking for the perfect dress often yield sighs of frustration and sore feet and backs from standing. New trends make the options seem even more endless. The upcoming Cary Magazine Elegant Weddings Gala hopes to offer a unique event in which brides can relax and enjoy the planning process with their friends and families. Slated as an evening of celebration, Western Wake County’s soon-to-be-wed will have the opportunity to meet vendors in an intimate environment, complete with cocktails, served hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.

Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, the evening’s Presenting Sponsor, will feature the newest trends in wedding gowns and bridal fashion. Cary Magazine’s Elegant Weddings Gala will be held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary on March 1 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“We participate in the more upscale bridal shows,” said Alexia Joyce, owner of Alexia’s Bridal. “We look for an elegant event that showcases top vendors in the area, not shows for the mass crowds.”

Displays and live models will showcase traditional and unique dresses for their weddings and themed quadrants will allow vendors to display their services in a way that will help brides visualize ideas for their special day.

The collection of dresses Alexia’s Bridal will showcase represents the themes displayed in each quadrant. Gala themes include Modern, Traditional, Southern and Coastal weddings. For the Modern quadrant, Alexia’s will feature a dress from a Parisian designer with a unique fabric and shape, and an artsy style; the Traditional quadrant will have a simple dress with traditional elements to reflect this theme; a light and airy dress designed in lightweight fabric will be featured in the Coastal quadrant; and to properly represent the Southern quadrant, a feminine dress of fabrics like organza and lace will be displayed.

Also to be highlighted at the Elegant Weddings Gala are new trends emerging for 2007, including: belts instead of sashes adorned with details like embroidery and rosettes, and lots of color on the dresses, even black accents. Hair accessories and styles are changing as well. Where tiaras have held the market for crowning glory, headbands are now taking their place.

In recent years, strapless dresses have dominated bridal fashion. The trend is now changing to offer different necklines and more strap options for dresses. Multiple layers of different fabrics offer dresses that have a fitted shape underneath and a more traditional shape on top, as dresses with fitted lace gowns and chiffon and English netting layers appear on the runways.

“We choose the dresses in our boutique by going to designer’s fashion shows in Chicago and New York that showcase upcoming trends in the lines,” said Joyce. “We choose which dresses to offer based on what we think our customers will like. Brides want a variety of styles; some want a more modern and fashion-forward dress, while others are looking for something more simple and traditional, and we try to offer a unique selection of gowns to suit their needs.”

For gala information, contact Jennifer Ingulli at (919) 674-6020, ext. 135, jingulli@carymagazine.com, or visit www.carymagazineweddings.com.Tickets for this exciting event are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices are $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door.

Alexia’s Bridal Boutique is located at 1051 Darrington Dr. in Cary. For more information, visit www.alexiasbridal.com, e-mail info@alexiasbridal.com or call (919) 481-6633.